Before reading any further, I would encourage you to first read about our adoption “story” by clicking HERE (if you haven’t already). Then, come back and keep reading more on this page. OK? See you soon…
Welcome back!!! Amazing huh? Yes – we are so excited (and a little bit overwhelmed, if truth be told) to see how God shapes this story for His glory! He cares so deeply about orphans, and we are honored to be chosen to be parents of children already hand-picked by Him.
So, what’s next on this journey?
I’ll be updating this page each step we’re on in the process. The journey is long, hard, tedious, and expensive. It’s impossible for us to fathom how all of this will fall into place. But, just as He planned a long time ago for Joel and me to parent children we have yet to know, He’s been whispering in the ears of many of you to join us on this journey through praying, organizing/planning, giving financially or perhaps in more than one of these areas! Scripturally speaking, we’re all commanded to care for orphans and widows in some capacity. For each of us, that will probably look very different.
For us…we know…God’s called us to adopt. AND…He’s asking us to trust Him with the details and the resources. Talk about a LEAP of faith! We have to now obey what He’s call us to do. This particular page of the adoption tab will provide an update as to where we are on each step. We’ll update this page as changes take place…keeping you informed while walking this journey with us.
There are also sub-pages (How You Can Help and In the Works) that will offer specific fundraising efforts that are underway or highlight other avenues of giving that you can participate in if God leads you to do so.
Friends and those we have yet to know…for those of you that choose to embark upon this journey with us in some capacity…we thank you in advance and consider YOU part of our extended family! God will bless your socks off for caring for those most dear to His heart! (James 1:27)
STEP 1 – Submit application, application fee and receive pre-approval from the adoption agency (MLJ Adoptions, in our case). DONE!
STEP 2 – Submit agency payment #1 to MLJ ($3250), home study agency application fee ($250) and home study fee to our NC licensed contract home study agency, Lifeline Children’s Services ($2225). Begin fundraising for next major payments!
STEP 3 – Completion and submission of autobiographies prior to 1st home study visit by our contracted social worker. Finish reviewing all materials for our education requirement(s) and have completely outlined on our calendar for completion.
STEP 4 – Secure location for our MEGA May 31 yard sale.
STEP 5 – FBI background check and fingerprinting
STEP 6 – The Home Study…1st visit coming up in a couple weeks! Please pray for us as we prepare!
STEP 7 – May 31 MEGA yard sale / bake sale fundraiser!!!
STEP 8 – Completion of Home Study education requirements
STEP 9 – The Home Study…last of documents submitted for review
STEP 10 – The Home Study…final interviews!
STEP 11 – Receive Home Study approval – complete education requirements prior to dossier submission!
STEP 12 – Submit I-800A for approval biometrics fingerprinting for USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)
STEP 13 – Begin dossier compilation – begin grant applications – complete all apostilling requirements
STEP 14 – Receive I-800A approval to adopt from Dept of Homeland Security and USCIS!
STEP 15 – Submit completed dossier to the Ministry of Justice in the country we’re adopting from in Eastern Europe for review and approval.
STEP 16 – Upon approval, begin the wait for a referral!
STEP 17 – Receive/accept referral! ACCEPTED 6/2/15!!!
STEP 18 – Travel to country for 1st trip! TRAVELED: June 27-July 4, 2015
STEP 19 – File I-800 with USCIS.
STEP 20 – Receive I-800 provisional approval. Complete and file DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa & Alien Registration. COMPLETED 8/24/15!
STEP 21 – Provisional Visa interview. COMPLETED 8/26/15
STEP 22 – Article 5 letter issued. Judge assigned. Court date set. COURT SCHEDULED FOR 10/2/15!
STEP 23 – Bulgarian attorney attends hearing. Adoption goes into effect! PASSED COURT 10/2/15!
STEP 24 – Decree received.
STEP 25 – Visa interview scheduled.
STEP 26 – Travel to country for 2nd trip and bring children home! 11/10-11/21/15!
